Yes, good rant. And a bad experience. I wouldn't buy from that dealer, for sure.

I won't hijack anything, just a quick note.. My salesman came here from a dealer in MD (DC area). I thought "well, you must have sold a TON of cars."

"Not so.." he said.
"The competition was amazing. Eight dealers in the area. We really had to work for it."

Since my sales guy is a Spaniard, I'm more inclined to believe he wasn't making it up. I know there isn't only one in greater LA.

I'm no expert, but if I'm not mistaken, it's not LEGAL to start a new warranty if it hasn't been delivered to a customer. In my business, it starts when it's "FOB" (Freight On Board, i.e. shipped) which is perfectly acceptable. In the car biz, that could still work, but it would be a BIT of a problem because cars are not necessarily shipped right away - they have to load the truck up to make it worth the while, but from the date it was on the truck, it could have said to be FOB and the warranty could start.

I understand what has already been said, and yes, that's all probably true.

In particular, as JCL said, if it were already "delivered" and used as a staff car or demo, but then it would be VERY illegal if they were to sell it as NEW.

I have seen with my own eyes dealers who will clearly tell you it was a demo, etc. and then sell it as NEW. Which is still OK as long as the manufacturer's warranty STARTS on the date you take delivery. That's really all the Mann Act means in the context of something called "NEW" or "USED." Naturally, the vehicle should be priced accordingly.

You should also have a realistic expectation of the resale value on a BMW. The old "it loses a third of its value when you drive it off the lot" is not really true.

Because it's the closest I could find..

From KBB I looked for a similarly equipped (all but the powertrain) 2010 35d (no 2011 listed) instead of a 35i, but with all the same options.. $59K, with 6500 miles. So it didn't lose a third, no.

And whether they want to punch a warranty or not, either it's sold new to you with a new manufacturer's warranty, the price needs to come down A LOT or I would try another dealer.

You're going to have to get your warranty service done at a dealer, but you'll only see them once a year, so for a NEW car, what you pay for it should probably be the overriding factor. And if you pay for NEW, get NEW.

Just my opinion.

(says the man that just took delivery on $20K of audio gear that was opened)
(but I did get a full warranty)